Amniocentesis - what is it? Indications, risks, research

Those months of life when a woman is waiting for a child can be called one of the most beautiful and wonderful. But not every representative of the weaker sex is going smoothly. Sometimes there can be various difficulties and complications. In this article we will talk about a medical term called "amniocentesis". What is this you will learn further. It is also worth mentioning how and in what cases this manipulation is carried out. What happens to a woman after an amniocentesis will also be told in this article.

Examination of a pregnant woman

While waiting for the child, the future mother has to undergo various diagnostic procedures. The most common of these is the study of blood and urine before each visit to the gynecologist. Prenatal diagnosis is also performed several times during pregnancy. This procedure involves an ultrasound examination and a study of blood on the likelihood of abnormalities in fetal development. Analysis of amniocentesis also applies to prenatal studies. However, he does not always and not every future mother.

Amniocentesis: what is it?

This procedure is not only diagnostic, but also therapeutic. Her method is to obtain a fluid that contains the amniotic membrane. Simply put, amniocentesis is a method of more thorough examination of the fetal condition and a method of carrying out certain types of correction.

Who is appointed such procedure?

If your doctor is alarmed by the results that prenatal diagnosis has given, then you may be advised to perform such a procedure. It is worth noting that with such an outcome of events, you can abandon the study. But at the same time a woman should be sure that she will not be able to terminate her pregnancy , regardless of the results.

Also, amniocentesis (what it is, you already know) is prescribed for those women who have acute polyhydramnios. In this case, the state of the future mother can be adjusted. During the procedure, part of the amniotic fluid is removed and the fetal condition is regulated.

The procedure can be prescribed in the case when intrauterine surgical treatment of the fetus is performed. However, in the Russian Federation, such methods are not yet envisaged.

Amniocentesis is indicated for those women who need to interrupt pregnancy in the late term. Remember that this requires certain indications. A woman's simple desire is not enough.

Conducting research

Many women who have never heard of such a procedure as amniocentesis, that this is learned only on the day of the study. If you are assigned such a diagnosis, it is worthwhile to familiarize yourself in advance with the method of its conduct and the timing. Depending on the indication, the time for the manipulation may be different.

The timing of amniocentesis is as follows:

• Early diagnosis. It is carried out for a period of 8 to 14 weeks of embryo development. Doctors do not welcome such an early study, since there is a high probability of complications.
• Usual diagnostics. It takes place after 14 weeks. However, the most optimal time for research is 18-22 weeks of a baby's life.
• Late amniocentesis. It is carried out exclusively for limited indications or if necessary, abortion.

How is the procedure performed?

To begin with, it should be said that this method of diagnosis does not provide for any anesthesia. Many future mothers who have undergone this procedure say that it does not hurt.

Before manipulation, a woman is suggested to take a sedative approved during pregnancy and drink several glasses of water. The presence of fluid in the bladder is a prerequisite. Only in this case the uterus is raised and creates the most convenient conditions for the doctors to insert the needle.

Also, before the procedure begins, a woman undergoes a control ultrasound examination. This is necessary in order to study the position of the fetus and the number of embryos in the uterus.

During the manipulation of the baby's actions, a special apparatus is observed. He also controls the introduction of the needle. The puncture is performed in the place where there is no placenta and umbilical cord loops. The risk of touching the baby is minimal.

When a long needle is inserted into the amniotic membrane, a catheter is connected and water is taken for analysis. The required volume can be from 10 to 20 milliliters. If it is necessary to interrupt the pregnancy, the amniocentesis is most often produced "blindly". A special solution is injected into the amniotic envelope, which affects the fetus, killing it.

What to do after the procedure?

Immediately after manipulation, a woman can go home. However, doctors examine the future mother and examine the condition of the fetus. In some cases, the representative of the weaker sex is recommended to stay in the hospital for several hours.

If the future mother went home, then she was prescribed a bed rest for several days. At the same time, it is strictly forbidden to lift heavy objects and strain. In most cases, pregnant women are prescribed sedatives and drugs that relieve muscle spasms. In some cases complications after the procedure can begin solely because of the nervous tension of the pregnant woman.

The results of amniocentesis are given within a few days. In the medical institution, the report is sent immediately to the treating doctor. Based on the data received, a decision is taken on further tactics.

Risks of procedure

Like any other intervention in the body of a future mother, amniocentesis has certain risks and the possibility of complications. Let us consider in detail the possible consequences of the procedure.

Abortion

Approximately two women of one hundred have an independent termination of pregnancy after manipulation. In this case, the important role played by the period at which the diagnosis was carried out. Thus, in the third trimester, the fetus has all chances of survival when providing appropriate care. If an early amniocentesis was performed, the pregnancy ends in a miscarriage in the event of a complication.

Threat of abortion

After the procedure, approximately half of all women notice cramping pains in the lower abdomen. At the same time, the "threat of premature birth" can be diagnosed. If the study was carried out in the first trimester, then the detachment of membranes may occur. With timely assistance, a woman has every chance of maintaining a pregnancy.

Development of infection

If aseptic norms were violated during the procedure, the amniotic fluid can be infected. In any case, this manipulation has a certain percentage of the risk of joining the pathological process. In this case, the future mother needs to begin the appropriate treatment as early as possible. Otherwise, pathology can adversely affect the fetus.

Influence of amniotic fluid

After the procedure, some future mothers complain of leakage of amniotic fluid. In this case, a special test is conducted, and upon confirmation of suspicions the woman is placed in the hospital, where she will stay until the moment of delivery.

Trauma of the child

In more rare cases, during an amnocentesis, an injury to a future baby can be caused. With this phenomenon, only a few women from thousands of expectant mothers face. However, there is a risk of such a pathology and it should be mentioned.

Summarizing

After reading the article, you became aware of a concept such as amniocentesis (what it is, how and when it is done). Before manipulation, you must take into account possible risks. Consult your physicians before agreeing to a test. Health to you and good research results!